Pashinyan threatens ENA employees with dismissal; electric utility responds

Ahead of the July 4 march in support of businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has issued a stern warning to employees of the Electric Networks of Armenia (ENA), threatening dismissal for their involvement in political activity.

“ENA employees who abandon their duties to engage in political intrigues will be dismissed in July,” Pashinyan wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

“Those who pressure ENA staff to join rallies will also face legal consequences. Employees who remain committed to their duties and refrain from joining either group will have nothing to worry about. Moreover, any employees dismissed now for refusing to comply with political coercion will be reinstated in July and fully compensated for lost wages,” he added.

In response, Samvel Karapetyan’s Defense Council issued a statement calling on ENA employees not to fear dismissal threats.

“ENA workers who may face dismissal threats based on fabricated grounds – whether due to their civic or religious beliefs – should remain calm. Any violations of their labor rights will be addressed and rectified. In the meantime, alternative employment will be offered under fair conditions," the statement read.